Drone Laws Tasmania [March 2023] [Rules & How to Register]

If you’re looking to fly your drone around Tasmania, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about Tasmania’s drone laws.

Drone laws in Tasmania are similar to those of other states in Australia. The laws are designed to protect public safety and privacy, and they require drone operators to have a remote pilot certificate (RPC) when flying over populated areas within line of sight.

Drone Rules In Tasmania

What Are The Drone Laws In Tasmania?

The first thing to know is that you are allowed to fly a drone in Tasmania.

This may be surprising, and it’s definitely good news for anyone who has been looking for an affordable way to get into the hobby of aerial photography or videography. You can also take your drone with you if you’re visiting from other Australian states—and even New Zealand!

The best part about this is that Australia has some of the most lenient drone laws in the world. The Australian Government allows recreational users (those who do not make their living from flying drones) more leeway than many other countries do when it comes to where they can fly, how high they can go, and how long they can be airborne at one time.

Don’t Fly Near Airports, Or Over Someone’s House

Don’t fly near airports

You don’t need to be a pilot to know that flying near an airport is a bad idea. It’s not just because of the planes that may be carrying passengers and cargo, but also because of the dangers associated with being so close to high-voltage power lines.

Don’t fly over people’s houses

This might seem obvious, but if you’re flying your drone within 30 metres of someone else’s property without their permission, you’re breaking Australian law. Even if you need video footage for work purposes or want to get some shots for your Instagram account (we won’t judge), make sure that whoever lives in said house is happy with you filming them before taking flight.

You Can’t Fly Within 30 Metres Of People

To avoid any trouble, you should keep your drone at least 30 metres away from people, and stay at least 30 metres away from vehicles, boats, animals and buildings.

What About Other Parts Of Australia?

Drone laws vary from state to state in Australia, but generally, the laws surrounding drones are similar across all states. The main difference is that some states allow commercial operators to fly their drones without a license and registration.

In some cases, you may also be required to apply for a license before flying your drone; however this does not apply if you’re operating within a designated area (e.g., an airport).

Tasmania’s Drone Laws Are Similar To Other States

It’s important to note that Tasmania’s drone laws are similar to most other states aside from a few exceptions.

For example, in most states you can fly your drone without permission from landowners if it’s below 400 ft and away from populated areas. However, in Tasmania this rule only applies if the area is not within 200 metres of a home or workplace.

In addition, if you want to fly over public land or water you’ll need permission from Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service before taking off. You could also be charged with an offence if your drone distracts or interferes with any person engaged in work activities on private land (e.g., farmers).

How To Register Drones In Tasmania

If you’re a drone owner in Tasmania, it’s important to know that drone registration and licensing is compulsory. If you do not register your drone, or if your registration is not up-to-date, CASA can issue penalties and charges against you.

The following information is designed to help you understand exactly what drones need to be registered in Tasmania, why these laws exist, what happens if your drone is lost or damaged and more information about CASA’s requirements for drone operators in Tasmania:

Why Do I Need To Register My Drone?

As you can see from the map above, registration is compulsory for drone flyers in Tasmania. If you don’t register your drone, or if your license lapses, then there’s a chance that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) could issue fines of up to $10,000 per day!

Drones may seem like toys but they can be dangerous and even deadly when they fall into the wrong hands. Registering your drone is a surefire way to keep track of it in case it gets lost or stolen—and if someone tries to fly their stolen drone near an airport or other restricted area, police will know exactly who owns that particular model from its unique identification number on record at CASA.

Which Drones Need To Be Registered?

All drones weighing 2 kilograms or more must be registered. This includes any drone that is used for commercial purposes, such as taking aerial photos or delivering packages to people’s homes. It also includes drones being used by the police or in search and rescue operations.

Any drone that can carry a person must be registered with CASA before it can take off. This includes:

• UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) with a maximum take-off weight of less than 20kg that are fitted with an automatic piloting system;
• UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) with a maximum take-off weight not exceeding 20kg and manned by a person who can control its flight; and
• UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) operating at night above 400 feet above ground level under control of an operator who has completed approved training on how to operate the equipment safely in daylight hours during daylight conditions only (refer to CASA website).

What Do I Get When I Register My Drone?

• A Certificate of Registration (C of R) is a document that confirms your registration with CASA.
• The C of R is the only proof that you are registered with CASA and legally operating your drone.

What If My Drone Is Lost, Stolen Or Damaged?

If you lose your drone, report it to CASA immediately. If your drone is stolen or damaged, report it to the police and CASA as soon as possible.

If you have a claim against an aviation accident in Tasmania, your proof of ownership will be vital in substantiating whether or not the incident involved a registered aircraft.

Where Can I Find More Information On Drones And Casa?

If you’re looking for more information about drone regulations and registration, visit the CASA website.

There are also some helpful FAQs on their website that can answer your questions. If you’ve got specific questions about drone regulations in Tasmania, here’s what they say:

What is CASA’s role and how does it relate to other agencies? CASA’s role is to ensure safety in Australian controlled airspace.

Drone Registration And Licensing Is Compulsory In Tasmania

Drones are now compulsory to be registered in Tasmania. The registry is part of a state government initiative to promote safe drone use, and allows you to license your drone if it’s over 2kg. Registration and licensing are free, and there are no annual fees.

Registered drones will receive an electronic identification number which must be displayed on the drone at all times while it’s flying. The number can also be used by emergency services or other agencies if they need to locate or contact you when they spot your drone in flight.

If your drone is lost, stolen or damaged you should report this immediately so that other users know not to fly near it or risk being fined themselves.

Are Drones Allowed In Tasmania

Drones are a fun and exciting way to capture your adventures in Tasmania. However, they do pose potential safety risks if not operated safely. For example, if you fly a drone over populous areas or near other aircraft or over large groups of people then you may be subject to fines or even imprisonment.

Private Recreational Drone Use In Tasmania

• Private recreational drone use does not attract any registration requirements.
• If you are operating commercially, you will need to register your drone with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
• If you are operating commercially, you will need to have a drone operator certificate.

Drones Must Be Kept Within The Drone Operator’s Line Of Sight.

In Tasmania, drones must be kept within the drone operator’s line of sight. This means they can’t be flown at night or over populous areas or near other aircraft or large groups of people, including sporting ovals, beaches and parks.

Drones Being Used For Commercial Operations

If you’re using a drone for commercial purposes, it is important to know that there are regulations that govern where and how high drones may fly. Drones Being Used For Commercial Operations must also avoid operating above 400 feet unless otherwise allowed by regulation. This regulation is found in the Civil Aviation Safety Act 1990 and its associated regulations, including:

• Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1991 (CASR)
• Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Interim) 2018

Drones Are Permitted To Fly At Night

You must also have a night visual aid (NVG) with you and be able to see the drone at all times.

Drones are prohibited from being flown over populous areas or near other aircraft or large groups of people.

You Must Not Fly Your Drone Over Populous Areas.

If you are flying your drone over populous areas or near other aircraft, or over large groups of people including sporting ovals, beaches and parks, you must keep your drone at least 5.5km away from aerodromes (unless in contact with them).

• Aerodrome means an aero plane landing place or a helicopter landing site.

Flying Drones Is Restricted But If You Follow The Rules, It Can Be Done Safely

To fly safely and legally, stick to the rules.

• Fly within sight. Don’t fly your drone where you can’t see it with your own eyes. This is especially important in public places—you don’t want to accidentally hit someone or damage property by flying too close to people or buildings, so keep a good eye out while you fly!
• Observe airspace restrictions around aerodromes (airports), heliports and aviation industries such as gas refineries and wind farms.
• For example, Hillview Airfield is surrounded by restricted airspace which extends out at least 1km horizontally from its centre point at all times when in use; this means that if you want to go flying near there with your drone then it needs to be no closer than 2km away from any part of the airfield itself at any given time during its operation hours (generally each day).

Frequently Asked Question (drone Laws Tasmania)

How High Can I Legally Fly My Drone In Tasmania?

The maximum height that you can fly your drone in Tasmania is 120 metres above ground level (AGL). The maximum distance from the pilot’s position is 400 metres horizontally and 120 metres vertically, as long as the pilot maintains line of sight with their aircraft.

If there are no obstacles including trees or buildings within this zone, this means you can fly your drone up to 400m high without needing to apply for an exemption.

Can I Fly My Drone Over People?

You must be at least 30 metres away from people. You cannot fly a drone over crowds of people, or within 5 metres of buildings or vehicles.

If you are operating your drone in an area where it’s possible to come into contact with other people, then you need to be able to see your drone at all times, and ensure that it is not obstructing any person’s ability to move about freely.

Can I Fly My Drone At Night?

You can fly your drone at night, but you must be able to see it. You must have lights on your drone. You cannot fly higher than 120 metres above ground level during the day or 60 metres above ground level at night.

Where Can I Find Out More Information On Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Laws?

• If you want to learn more about the laws around unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), check out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) website. CASA is responsible for regulating Australian airspace and they have a section dedicated to UAVs in their regulations.
• If you’re still unsure of your responsibilities as a drone operator, contact your local council.

Conclusion

Drone laws in Tasmania are fairly relaxed. You can fly your drone as long as you aren’t over a built-up area, you’re not flying it near an airport, and you keep it within line of sight at all times.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the regulations surrounding drones in Tasmania. If you have any questions, or would like to report a drone incident, please contact us.